Metropolitan Insulation Blog

The Incredible Benefits of Insulating Your Loft

The Incredible Benefits of Insulating Your Loft

When it comes to creating an energy-efficient and comfortable home, insulating your loft should be high on your priority list. Many homeowners often overlook this simple yet highly effective home improvement measure. Insulating your loft not only helps you save on energy bills but also offers numerous additional benefits. In this blog, we will explore the incredible advantages of loft insulation and why it’s a wise investment for any homeowner.

  1. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings:

One of the most significant benefits of insulating your loft is increased energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings in the long run. Without proper insulation, your home loses a significant amount of heat through the roof. By insulating your loft, you create a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping, effectively trapping warmth within your living spaces. As a result, you can reduce your heating requirements, lower energy consumption, and enjoy noticeable reductions in your heating bills.

  1. Enhanced Comfort and Temperature Regulation:

Insulating your loft doesn’t just help with energy efficiency; it also greatly improves the comfort level within your home. With proper insulation, you can maintain a more consistent and comfortable indoor temperature throughout the year. During cold winters, the insulation prevents heat loss, keeping your home warm and cosy. In summer, it acts as a barrier against external heat, reducing the need for excessive air conditioning and keeping your living spaces pleasantly cool.

  1. Noise Reduction:

Loft insulation has an additional benefit that often goes unnoticed—noise reduction. The insulation material absorbs and dampens external noises, creating a more peaceful and tranquil living environment. Whether it’s the sound of traffic, noisy neighbours, or the pitter-patter of rain, a well-insulated loft can significantly minimise unwanted noise, allowing you to relax and enjoy a quieter home.

  1. Environmental Impact:

Investing in loft insulation isn’t just beneficial for your wallet; it’s also a positive step toward reducing your environmental impact. By reducing energy consumption, you contribute to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change. With an energy-efficient home, you actively participate in conserving natural resources and promote sustainable living practices.

  1. Increased Property Value:

A well-insulated loft can add value to your property. Potential buyers are increasingly mindful of energy efficiency and look for homes that are insulated and equipped with green features. By insulating your loft, you not only make your home more appealing to buyers but also increase its overall market value.

  1. Condensation Prevention:

Condensation can be a significant issue in homes that lack proper insulation. Moisture buildup can lead to dampness, mold growth, and subsequent damage to your property. Insulating your loft helps regulate the temperature and reduces condensation, protecting your home from these potential problems and ensuring a healthier living environment.

Conclusion:

Insulating your loft is a smart investment that offers a multitude of benefits. From reducing energy bills and enhancing comfort to noise reduction and environmental sustainability, the advantages are undeniable. By taking this simple step, you can create a more energy-efficient, comfortable, and eco-friendly home while also increasing its value. So, if you haven’t already done so, consider insulating your loft and reap the incredible rewards it brings.

Posted by admin in Common Soundproofing Myths, Control Sound, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Insulating Your Loft, London Soundproofing, Modern Soundproofing, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Sound Waves, Soundproof A Garden Room, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Cheshire, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls
Benefits of soundproof doors

Benefits of soundproof doors

Soundproof doors offer numerous benefits, particularly in environments where noise control and acoustic insulation are essential. These specialized doors are designed to minimise the transmission of sound from one area to another, creating a quieter and more peaceful atmosphere. Here are some of the key advantages of soundproof doors:

  1. Noise reduction: The primary advantage of soundproof doors is their ability to significantly reduce noise transmission. They are constructed with dense materials and specialized insulation that effectively block and absorb sound waves. This makes them ideal for spaces where noise pollution is a concern, such as recording studios, theaters, offices, hotels, or residential areas near busy streets or airports.
  2. Improved privacy: Soundproof doors enhance privacy by preventing sound from traveling in or out of a room. In offices or conference rooms, they can ensure confidential discussions remain private, allowing employees to work without distractions. Similarly, in residential settings, soundproof doors provide peace and solitude by minimising noise disturbances from neighboring rooms or outdoor sources.
  3. Enhanced productivity: By minimising noise distractions, soundproof doors contribute to improved focus and productivity. In office environments, employees can concentrate on their tasks without being disturbed by conversations or other noises from outside. This promotes a more efficient and conducive work environment, leading to increased output and better concentration.
  4. Compliance with regulations: Certain industries, such as music production, broadcasting, or healthcare, have specific regulations regarding noise control. Soundproof doors help businesses meet these requirements by providing effective acoustic insulation. Compliance with such regulations not only ensures the quality and safety of operations but also prevents potential legal issues or penalties.
  5. Energy efficiency: Soundproof doors often feature excellent thermal insulation properties. The materials used in their construction provide an additional layer of insulation, reducing heat transfer between spaces. This can result in energy savings by maintaining a more stable indoor temperature, reducing the load on heating and cooling systems, and lowering energy consumption.
  6. Increased property value: Installing soundproof doors can add value to a property. Potential buyers or renters may prioritise noise reduction as an important feature, particularly in urban areas or properties located near sources of noise. Soundproof doors are considered a premium feature that can enhance the desirability and market appeal of a space.

In conclusion, soundproof doors offer a range of benefits, including noise reduction, improved privacy, enhanced productivity, compliance with regulations, energy efficiency, and increased property value. These doors are a valuable investment in creating a comfortable, quiet, and controlled environment, whether in residential, commercial, or industrial settings. By effectively blocking and absorbing sound, soundproof doors contribute to a more peaceful and productive atmosphere while meeting the demands of modern living and stringent noise control standards.

Posted by admin in Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation
Why it is important to insulate your house

Why it is important to insulate your house

Insulating your house is of paramount importance for various reasons. It not only contributes to energy efficiency and cost savings but also enhances comfort, reduces environmental impact, and improves overall well-being. Insulation acts as a barrier against heat transfer, preventing the loss of warmth during colder months and minimizing heat gain during hotter months. Here are some key reasons why it is important to insulate your house:

  1. Energy efficiency: Insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining a consistent and comfortable indoor temperature. By reducing heat transfer through walls, floors, and roofs, insulation helps to minimize the need for heating and cooling systems, thereby lowering energy consumption and utility bills. A well-insulated house can significantly improve energy efficiency, leading to substantial cost savings over time.
  2. Comfort: Insulation creates a thermal barrier that helps to regulate indoor temperatures and reduce drafts. It keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer, ensuring a comfortable living environment for you and your family. Insulation also helps to minimise noise transmission, providing a quieter and more peaceful indoor atmosphere.
  3. Environmental impact: Insulating your house is an effective way to reduce your carbon footprint. By reducing energy consumption, insulation helps to lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with heating and cooling systems. It contributes to sustainable living by conserving resources and promoting environmental responsibility.
  4. Moisture control: Insulation acts as a moisture barrier, preventing condensation and dampness from entering your home. It helps to control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth, mildew, and associated health issues. Proper insulation safeguards the structural integrity of your house by protecting against moisture-related damage.
  5. Health benefits: Insulation not only improves physical comfort but also promotes better indoor air quality. By minimizing drafts and air leakage, insulation helps to prevent the infiltration of pollutants, allergens, and outdoor contaminants. This is especially beneficial for individuals with respiratory conditions or allergies, as insulation contributes to a healthier living environment.
  6. Property value: Insulating your house enhances its market value and desirability. Energy-efficient homes with proper insulation are increasingly sought after by homebuyers due to the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits they offer. Insulation is considered a valuable investment that can pay off in terms of increased property resale value.

In conclusion, insulating your house is a vital step towards energy efficiency, comfort, and environmental sustainability. It provides numerous benefits, including reduced energy consumption, cost savings, improved comfort, moisture control, enhanced indoor air quality, and increased property value. By insulating your house, you contribute to a greener future while enjoying a more comfortable and healthier living environment.

Posted by admin in Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials

Should I Insulate my Loft?

A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home. Insulating your loft, attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills.

Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and it should pay for itself many times over. 

Choosing loft insulation

If your loft is easy to access and has no damp or condensation problems, it should be easy to insulate – and in most cases, it is possible to do it yourself.

If access is easy and your loft joists are regular, you can use rolls of mineral wool insulation. The first layer is laid between the joists – the horizontal beams that make up the floor of the loft – then another layer is laid at right angles to cover the joists and make the insulation up to the required depth.

Here’s what to consider when installing loft insulation:

1. Storage space

If you plan to use the loft or attic for storage, you will want to lay boards over the joists. Unfortunately, if you only insulate between the joists before doing this, the insulation won’t be thick enough. 

To get enough insulation, you can raise the level of the floor so you can fit enough mineral wool beneath the new floor level. You can do this by fitting timber battens across the joists, or you can buy purpose-built plastic legs that fit on the joists and support the new floor. It’s important to leave a ventilated air gap between the insulation and the boards to prevent condensation on the underside of the boards.

Make sure you don’t squash the mineral wool when you fit the boards on top as this this will reduce its insulation value. 

2. Warm loft

An alternative way to insulate your loft is to fit the insulation between and over the rafters – these are the sloping timbers that make up the roof itself. You can use rigid insulation board, carefully cut to size, or you can have foam insulation sprayed between the rafters.

Whichever approach you use, you will need a specialist professional to insulate your roof – this is not a DIY job.

Advantages:

  • The roof space will be warmer than with standard loft insulation, so you won’t need to worry so much about freezing tanks and pipes.
  • You can board the floor for storage without having to raise it to create extra depth.

Disadvantages:

  • Insulating at rafter level is considerably more expensive than most standard loft insulation.
  • As well as insulating the roof, you will have to insulate any gable walls, party walls and chimneys in the loft space. If you leave these uninsulated, then the heat will bypass your new insulation making it largely ineffective.

3. Inaccessible loft spaces

If your loft is hard to access, you can have blown insulation installed by a professional, who will use specialist equipment to blow appropriate insulation material into any awkward space. They may use mineral wool fibre, treated cellulose or polyurethane foam.

Posted by admin in Barn Conversion, Block Noise, Choosing Insulation, Climate and Insulation, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Control Sound, DIY Solutions, Energy Saving Installation, Home Insulation, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy Neighbours, Office Soundproofing, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes, Spray Foam Insulation, Thermal Insulation, Type of insulation

Soundproof Foam VS Acoustic Foam

The misconception about foam being soundproof exists mostly because people lack the understanding of the differences between sound absorption and soundproofing.

It is natural to assume that if products like foam absorb sound, there will be none that is left to escape the room.

Unfortunately, sound is not like a fluid that gets absorbed and trapped in something like a sponge. The way sound behaves needs to be understood clearly here.

Sound waves are nothing but vibrations and when they strike a surface, they tend to vibrate it.

Sound does not ‘pass’ through a wall or ceiling but merely vibrates it. These vibrations are further transferred to the other side and that is how sound transfer takes place through walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.

1. Walls and Ceilings

The most common myth is that panels made of foam can be stuck on walls and will reduce the amount of sound from entering or leaving a room.

The foam that you see stuck on the walls of studios is not meant for soundproofing but is meant for sound absorption. The products that do the actual soundproofing in a studio are something else.

What You Should Be Doing Instead

You should first of all try to make your walls heavier. You can add mass to your wall by:-

Extra Drywall

Installing an additional layer or two of drywall will help to reduce sound transfer. A 5/8” thick drywall sheet weighs 2.31 pounds per square foot. That’s some serious mass and is a great substance for reducing sound transfer.

Coming back to foam, there are many varieties available and their densities vary depending on the type and grade. However, the foam would have to be several inches thick to match the mass of drywall.

Pros

  • Low cost.
  • Lots of mass.

Cons

  • Effort and workmanship required to install.
  • Involves modification of structures, so not an option for rented apartments.

Floors

  • Impact Noise
  • Airborne Noise

Impact noise is the noise caused as a result of footsteps or furniture being moved on the floor.

Airborne noise is the sound that is normally transmitted through the air and these include traffic noise, dog barking, neighbors yelling, and everything else.

Posted by admin in Acoustic blinds or curtains, Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Airborne Sound, Control Sound, How To Soundproof Doors, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Spray Foam Insulation

New Trend for Soundproofing Your Home

The average city dweller spends his or her time surrounded by noise– traffic, television, cell phones, and unwanted office gossip. But people who want a quieter life are finding ways to outfit their homes with sound-proof accessories, such as curtains that mute noises from outside. This is one of several ways to make staying home much more peaceful and reap the health benefits of silence.

Noise pollution affects many people and homes, causing health effects such as stress and anxiety. There are many fancy methods to isolate yourself from sound, but soundproofing is expensive and typically reserved for technical uses, such as for a recording studio.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), it is only safe to be exposed to loud noises for a maximum of 8 hours. Many of us who live in urban areas or noisy towns receive a lot more noise than recommended. Because of this, there has been a significant rise in home soundproofing through the use of soundproof curtains and other methods.

However, there are several simple home hacks you can use to significantly reduce the amount of noise you hear.

One popular way to achieve a quieter living space is through your furniture. When you have an empty room, sound bounces off the walls a lot easier since there is nothing to absorb it. These bouncing waves reach your ear and you perceive ‘sound’, but the simple addition of heavy and soft furniture can absorb a great deal of these waves. Add heavy tables and sofas with a lot of cushion to absorb the most amount of sound. Books also help and look great on your coffee table!

If you want to get fancy with your soundproofing you can add acoustic panels to your walls and ceiling. These are used mostly in studio sound booths during music recordings, but many manufacturers craft these panels for use in your home. These panels work much in the same way as furniture works– by providing a thick, soft and permeable surface which effectively absorbs sound waves.

Don’t Forget Your Doors!

You’d be surprised at how sound finds its way into our homes through the smallest cracks and spaces. One place we often ignore when we think about sound leakage is our doors. Gaps beneath doors let a considerable amount of noise through, but there is an inexpensive solution. Sealant tape can easily block these gaps without hindering your doors from opening or closing. A more expensive but permanent solution is a mounted seal that uses metal and rubber and lasts a lot longer than tape.

Reducing noise in your home will not only give you peace of mind, but is also attributed to many health benefits. Some of these include lower stress levels, better concentration, increased brain function, and greater focus for self-reflection. The benefits of good rest are also widely studied, and the solution is as simple as installing a set of soundproof curtains.

Posted by admin in Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Block Noise, Choosing Insulation, Control Sound, DIY Solutions, Home Insulation, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing New Homes, Type of insulation

The Benefits of Soundproofing Your Home

Soundproofing is the technique of utilising insulation materials to minimise the noise passing through the walls.

Whilst many people think that soundproofing is only necessary for acoustically sensitive environments like recording studios, there are numerous positives to be gained from investing in soundproofing for your home. Whether it’s to provide you with a little headache relief from noisy children or to make your music practice room soundproof, so you don’t disturb the neighbors, there is always a good reason to consider soundproofing measures.

Privacy

If you want to avoid disturbing your neighbours and being disturbed by your neighbours at the same time, the best thing to do is invest in soundproofing your home. The experts at Metropolitan Insulation explain that privacy is a valuable thing that we often do not even consider until we don’t have it anymore, and one of the worst breaches of privacy is when you and your neighbours can hear each other. Private conversations can be overheard, music and loud noises can cause tension between you and the last thing you want is to fall out with someone who lives right next door to you.

Your home should be a relaxing, comfortable place to return to after a long day at school or at work, so it is essential to prevent the noise coming from both inside and outside of the house. You don’t want to worry about what your neighbours will overhear or what you may inadvertently hear from their side. By soundproofing your home, there will be no awkwardness or tension, so you can live side by side with your neighbours in harmony. 

Comfort and Quality of Life

Soundproofing can significantly enhance the comfort of your home, from helping to provide the perfect sleeping environment to ensure that you are able to relax for a moment in private whilst the kids are particularly rambunctious. In order to achieve this ideal environment, you don’t even need to soundproof the whole house. By soundproofing the doors and windows of particularly noisy areas in your house like your kids’ bedrooms and the rooms where you like to relax, that is enough to create peace and quiet. No more stress, no more anger, and exhaustion caused by noise-just a happy home for the whole family.

Posted by admin in Acoustic Treatment, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Absorption, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation, Type of insulation

How to soundproof an apartment door: Painless DIY Solutions

Why soundproof a door and who should do it?

If you’ve recently moved into a new apartment and discovered that on some nights you’re wide awake as you listen to your neighbours’ conversations in the hallway, your flimsy doors may be to blame. 

As a light sleeper myself, loud noises from the hallway have kept me up on countless nights. 

With the recent trend of people working from home, you may also be looking to dedicate a space for your new home office with optimal sound-proofing properties so you can work in peace. 

If those situations sound familiar to you, it might be time to think about how you can soundproof your doors to get a good night’s sleep. 

How they work and if they can be effective

Soundproofing a hollow door works just like soundproofing a room does. 

The problem usually arises because most doors have hollow cores, often trapping air inside. 

The trapped air then acts as an excellent medium for noise or sound, but a terrible choice if you want to keep the noise out. 

Hollow core doors are the most typical interior doors used nowadays in houses. 

Beneath its surface is an inner cardboard honeycomb core surrounded by a softwood frame. 

Considering this thin surface and the air-filled core, there just isn’t much to block the transmission of sound. 

However, you can minimize the sound transmission by adding sound-insulating material on the door, which will significantly help in creating a more peaceful environment in the comfort of your own home. 

Continue reading to find out how you can soundproof an apartment door. Here are a few products readily available on Amazon for you. 

Note that these methods will allow you to minimize the noise transmission but will not completely block out noise.

If you wish to get rid of any outside noise once and for all, you might want to look into getting a solid core door. 

We will explore that option at the end of this article. 

Acoustic foam

A reliable go-to product when it comes to soundproofing is acoustic foams

When installed on your door, these foams block noise while absorbing sounds. 

As a result, they can eliminate any echoes from the house. 

Since they are originally designed to improve the acoustics of a music room, you can count them to reduce the amplitude of noise level. 

The best part is, they don’t require any special skills to install. 

Because they are self-adhesive, it will be a hassle-free process for you. 

Posted by admin in Climate and Insulation, Commercial Property, DIY Solutions, Home Insulation, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Reduce Noise, Noise pollution, Sound Absorption, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing New Homes, Spray Foam Insulation, Super Materials, Suspended Ceiling Soundproofing, Type of insulation

Loft Conversion – Is it worth the investment?

Certain features such as garages or porches have solid research behind them indicating the overall value they add to a home, but it can be difficult to assess less common features, such as a loft conversion, when deciding whether they’re worth the investment. As a homeowner, it can be easy to decide whether a renovation is worth it because personal value for the project comes into play. However, as an estate agent or landlord, you must consider how much value the project will ultimately add to your property and whether the cost is worth the investment. Take a look at whether a loft conversion is worth it in the long run.

Is a loft conversion worth the investment?

Renovating a loft can quickly add up to a major expense for your latest investment, which may lead you to question whether it’s worth it. If a loft conversion is done well — and especially if you are converting it into a bedroom or bathroom — it could provide a 50% to 75% return on investment (ROI). Not terrible when compared to low-ROI projects like adding a pool. Adding an ensuite bedroom and bathroom does cost about twice as much as simply enclosing the space into a room that could be used as a home office or storage space, but you are essentially adding a room count to your investment. Your two-bedroom, one-bath home can now be considered a three-bedroom, two-bath, adding a lot of value to its sale potential or rental desirability.

It is important to consult not only a licensed architect and contractor to create a functional space but also your local realtor to determine whether the market demand is there. Keep in mind that loft conversions are usually, but not always, smaller spaces, so demand in urban settings will probably be higher since space is already at a premium. A loft conversion is likely only worth the investment if done appropriately, but ultimately, you will need to do market research to ensure your investment is worth the returns.

Posted by admin in Home Insulation, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Insulation Fire Rated, Insulation Reduce Noise, Insulation To Last, Metropolitan Insulation, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours

Negative Effects of Sound Pollution

Every sound in a structure can be traced back to its acoustical roots. Creaky door hinges are rusty, too tight or in need of a good oiling. Floorboards squeaking or groaning are either incorrectly fastened or not plumb or true.

As for ominous loud ticking clocks, either you’ve been watching too many scary movies or you have very thin walls with no acoustical insulation and thin drywall layers. This too can be easily solved with a variety of wall types  from traditional staggered stud to new high-performance ultra-thin ZR walls.

Unintended Negative Effects of Noises

The impact of subway noise on surrounding neighbourhoods shows that increased cardiovascular disease is related to sleep disorders caused by rail noise in urban areas. While most spooky sounds are low frequency noise, subways do create a wider variety of noises than wind turbines or deep footsteps, thereby having a wider and deeper range of effects. These are similar to having a spooky bad dream including, but not limited to: 

  • Increased heart rate
  • Lack of deep REM sleep
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Elevated anxiety and stress levels

Last, but not least, is our favorite means of long-distance travel, airplanes.  Because of new engine designs, noise from aircraft is getting better with each generation. Nevertheless, there is still a significant impact on local environments and the people living there. Similar to subway noise, physiological issues include:

  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Cognitive issues in children
  • Elevated anxiety
  • Decreased attention spans due to sleep deprivation.
Posted by admin in Acoustic blinds or curtains, Acoustic panels, Acoustic Treatment, Bad Acoustics, Block Noise, Commercial Property, Common Soundproofing Myths, Hidden Noise Hazards, Home Insulation, Hotel Soundproofing, How To Soundproof Doors, Improved Insulation, Insulate Your Home, Insulating Your Loft, Metropolitan Insulation, Modern Soundproofing, Noise pollution, Noisy household appliances, Noisy Neighbours, Sound Insulation for Old Houses, Sound Insulation Ideas, Soundproofing, Soundproofing Apartments, Soundproofing Commercial Property, Soundproofing for musicians, Soundproofing New Homes, Soundproofing Party Walls, Spray Foam Insulation